MSN vs DNP vs PhD in Nursing
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Navigating advanced nursing education can be complicated. Students have the option to pursue several degrees, including a master of science in nursing (MSN), a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), or a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in nursing. Each of these paths offers unique opportunities and caters to different career and personal goals. Understanding the purpose, curriculum, and commitment of each degree is necessary to select the right program.
A graduate degree in nursing opens doors to roles in leadership, teaching, research, and specialized fields of practice, offering broader career prospects and increased hireability. Students who complete an MSN or DNP can work as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists providing independent care to patients in primary care, adult gerontology, pediatrics, midwifery, anesthesia, and more. They can also work as nurse educators or nurse executives.
Direct-entry MSN students are transitioning to nursing after having earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and they can work as registered nurses with more advanced training and leadership skills. PhD in nursing students are researchers and educators. While they typically stay in academia, they can also move into jobs in policy and advocacy.
To help you better understand the nuances between these degrees refer to the chart below:
| MSN | DNP | PhD in Nursing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Should Get This Degree | Registered nurses who aspire to attain higher levels of responsibility within the healthcare system including those who want to specialize in specific areas of patient care such as family care, geriatrics, pediatrics, or mental health. Also, individuals seeking to take on leadership roles or positions in nursing education, administration, or policy-making can also greatly benefit from an MSN program. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing can complete a direct entry MSN degree that will prepare them for a career as a registered nurse. |
Nurses who aspire to reach the highest level of clinical practice and are passionate about influencing healthcare policy, improving patient outcomes on a systems level, and contributing to the science of nursing should consider pursuing a DNP. The degree is also recommended for nurses aiming to assume leadership roles in clinical settings, healthcare organizations, or academic institutions. While most students who earn DNPs work as nurse practitioners, there are also many who work as nurse executives, in healthcare policy, or as nurse educators. | A PhD in nursing is ideal for those who are passionate about contributing to the body of nursing knowledge through original research. This degree is best suited for individuals who want to impact the future of healthcare on a grand scale by developing new nursing theories, methodologies, or educational programs. It’s also a strong choice for those who aspire to teach at the collegiate level, as many universities require a PhD for full-time faculty positions. |
| Specializations |
|
|
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| Typical Duration | One to three years depending on specialization and if attending full or part time. | Three to five years. Students with a BSN can anticipate their programs being on the longer side, while students with a master’s degree will tend to take less time. | Four to six years. The timeline for a PhD is largely depending on the research project the students are completing. |
| Admission Requirements |
Applicants to MSN programs must have, at a minimum, an unrestricted registered nurse license. Other application requirements may include prerequisite coursework, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and work experience. |
Admission requirements for DNP programs can vary by institution, but typically include a BSN degree from an accredited institution, although some programs may accept applicants with a master’s degree in a related field. They also require applicants to hold a current and unrestricted RN license. Some programs require a certain amount of professional nursing experience, typically ranging from one to five years. Letters of recommendation along with a personal statement or essay discussing the applicant’s career goals are also typically required. The most competitive programs will require an interview as part of the admissions process. | The requirements for admission to a PhD in nursing program can vary widely by institution and specialization. Typical requirements will include an unrestricted RN license and a master’s degree in nursing or a related field. However, some programs offer a BSN to PhD pathway, making a master’s degree optional. Other requirements include previous nursing experience, demonstrated aptitude for research, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and in more competitive programs, an interview. |
| Coursework |
Curriculum for nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist can include:
Nurse executive MSN degrees can include coursework such as:
Direct entry MSN program will include the coursework necessary to learn to be a nurse, including:
| Typical classes for DNP programs will include: Advanced Healthcare Policy
Students in DNP programs can also anticipate completing a thesis or doctoral project at the end of the program. |
Most PhD in nursing programs will require coursework for the first year or two, while the remainder of the degree program is dedicated to completing research and writing a dissertation. Require coursework will often include classes such as:
|
| Clinical Hours | The number of clinical hours required to complete an MSN degree will vary based on the specialization. Most MSN programs for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists will have at least 600 hours of clinical experiences integrated into their curriculum. MSN degrees for executive nurses, or nurse educators will only require 300 hours and the experience hours will be in a classroom or executive setting rather than direct patient care. Lastly, direct-entry MSN programs will typically have at least 700 hours of clinical experiences. | Nearly all DNP programs require that students complete 1,000 hours of clinical practice. | PhD in nursing programs typically do not have clinical hour requirements since students perform research rather than work with patients in a clinical setting. |
| Tuition Range | $20,000 to $75,000 or more depending on specialization and state residency if attending a public school |
DNP programs typically cost between $20,000 and $40,000 for students with a master’s degree. Students with a bachelor’s can expect tuition to range between $40,000 and $75,000. | Tuition for a PhD in nursing is between $30,000 to $50,000 per year. However, many schools offer funding or assistantships to help offset part or all of the program’s cost in addition to providing a salary. |
| Accreditation | The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| Careers After Graduation | Careers for nurses who have earned an MSN will depend on the specialization pursued. Typical jobs post-graduation will include nurse educator, executive nurse, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist. | Most DNP graduates will pursue a career as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. However, some DNPs will find careers in healthcare leadership, education, and research. | Typical jobs for PhD in nursing graduates include healthcare administrators, nurse educators, or researchers in healthcare policy. Some may contribute to academia, nurturing the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals, while others may leverage their expertise to shape healthcare laws and regulations. |
| The Bottom Line | An MSN is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for registered nurses and is considered an important step for nurses seeking higher responsibility roles. MSN programs often offer various specializations such as family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse administrator, public health nurse, nurse manager, and more. | Completing a DNP degree is a rigorous and rewarding path that combines advanced healthcare knowledge, leadership, and a strong focus on evidence-based practice. While this is primarily a clinical degree, some professionals who pursue this path may work in administrative or education roles. By choosing this path, nurses are stepping up as champions of patient care, leaders in healthcare reform, and educators for the next generation of nurses. | A PhD in nursing is for students who want to be deeply engrossed in the academic and research aspects of nursing, aimed at instigating systemic changes and innovations in the nursing profession. |
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.